Qatar Airways has launched the world’s first Boeing 777 equipped with Starlink, marking a significant advancement in in-flight connectivity. The announcement was made via a media release sent using the ultra-high-speed, low-latency internet service while flying at 35,000 feet from Doha to London. The complimentary Starlink service is available to all passengers from gate to gate. Initially targeting three Starlink-equipped aircraft, Qatar Airways now plans to deliver 12 upgraded Boeing
Author: Constance Makungu
Transnet to Enhance Straddle Carrier Operations at Durban Container Terminals
Transnet has announced that component parts for 20 straddle carriers used at Durban Container Terminals (DCT) will be received by the end of November. This response comes as the state-owned logistics utility addresses ongoing equipment inefficiencies at DCT Pier 2. In a recent port update, Transnet acknowledged the low availability of straddle carriers, stating, “Despite our ongoing efforts, we are still experiencing low availability of straddle carriers, which is impacting
Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation Strengthens Global Chemical Logistics with Asset Consolidation
Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation is consolidating its parent company’s chemical product supply chain assets to enhance its position in the global chemical logistics market. The newly established Dalian Cosco Shipping Energy Transportation Supply Chain Company will merge Cosco Shipping’s transportation, warehousing, and logistics assets for LPG and chemical products. “The asset consolidation will enhance the company’s service capabilities in the chemical and energy logistics sectors and optimize overall business performance,”
Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two Workers at Virginia Ship Repair Yard
Two workers tragically lost their lives in an accident at the Marine Hydraulics International (MHI) Ship Repair Yard in Norfolk, Virginia, last week. Emergency services responded to the incident on the Elizabeth River at approximately 7:45 AM on Wednesday. One worker was pronounced dead at the scene, while another, who was critically injured, was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries several hours later. MHI issued a statement
Namibia’s Tridock Shipyard to Launch $728 Million Drydock Facility at Walvis Bay
Tridock Shipyard Namibia (Pty) Ltd has unveiled plans for a cutting-edge drydock facility at Walvis Bay, projected to cost $728 million. The facility, expected to generate an initial annual revenue of US$150 million (N$2.7 billion), aims to double this revenue within three years of operation, according to a recent report in Mining & Energy. The project will create approximately 1,000 direct jobs, along with a range of downstream employment opportunities,
Port of Cape Town Welcomes Record-Breaking MSC Ines
The Port of Cape Town has reached a significant milestone by accommodating the MSC Ines, the longest vessel ever to dock at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). The 348.5-meter vessel surpassed the previous record of 336 meters for ‘length overall restrictions’ at the port. MSC Director of Operations, Captain Ian Rosario, attributed this achievement to the guidance of Harbourmaster Captain Alex Miya and Deputy Harbourmaster Captain Marcus Rammutloa, along
Transnet Pushes Forward with Review Process Amid Durban Terminal Dispute
Transnet has announced it will act quickly to advance Part B of the review process for the Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 2 dispute, pledging to proceed “without undue delay.” On Friday, the state-owned company (SOC) issued a statement confirming it would soon petition the court for a preferential hearing date for the review. The statement follows a Durban High Court ruling this week in which APM Terminals (APMT), a
CMA CGM Expands Moroccan Presence with New Terminal at Nador West Med Port
French shipping giant CMA CGM has solidified its position in Morocco by partnering with local port operator Marsa Maroc to manage half of the new east terminal at the Nador West Med Port. Located in northeastern Morocco, this facility will have a capacity of 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) once fully operational. Industry experts, including Alphaliner, see Morocco’s strategy with Nador West Med as an effort to replicate the
Port of Los Angeles Achieves Record-Setting Quarter with 27% Rise in Cargo Volume
The Port of Los Angeles recorded a new monthly high in September, handling 954,706 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a 27% increase over the same month last year. This surge propelled the port to its best quarter ever, with 2.85 million TEUs processed in the third quarter, surpassing its previous record set in the second quarter of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los
20 Crew Rescued After Fire Engulfs Sea Harvest Vessel Near Cape Town
Twenty crew members were safely rescued after a fire broke out aboard the Sea Harvest fishing vessel, MVF Armana, while it was sailing approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Town, Western Cape, on Sunday. The fire occurred during the early morning hours on the 62-year-old vessel, initially raising concerns that it might sink. However, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), based at the South African Maritime Safety